We’re approaching the end of Watch Madness Round 1, so I thought I’d take a moment to comment on the results so far. Take a look at the results (click to enlarge). Any surprises?

In the $0-$5,000 bracket, everything seemed to go according to plan. Both Omegas won their first round match-ups. I did think that they Baume & Mercier Capeland would fair a bit better – it’s new styling is very popular. However, it was no match for the power of the Omega brand.

Many people would consider Montblanc’s victory over Tag Heuer an upset – but, Montblanc has been coming on strong in the watch world lately. People like the big, bold, clean style of their watches.

It will be interesting to see who pulls out the final match-up: Omega Seamaster vs. Breitling SuperOcean Heritage. Two popular brands, two cool watches.

In the $5,001-$10,000 bracket, everything played out as one would expect. The IWC Portuguese Chronograph, Panerai Luminor Marina, Breitling Navitimer World, and Rolex Submariner Date are all VERY popular watches. I thought that the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph might have a chance against the Panerai, but last year’s champion pulled it out. I’m excited to see the results of the second round match-ups. There are going to be some TOUGH choices.

There was a minor upset in the $10,001-$15,000 bracket where the Cartier Roadster chronograph lost to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Both are great brands, popular, and unique. I believe that people have a love-hate relationship with the unique shape of the Roadster. That may have hurt it’s chance for victory.

I’m not surprised that the Rolex Daytona beat the IWC Portuguese Yacht Club – however, the Yacht Club is one of my favorite watches right now. It’s different. It’s cool. It’s harder to find. And that hint of red really stands out.

The results in the $15,001+ bracket were a bit surprising. I didn’t expect to see the Patek Philippe Nautilus lose in the first round. And I was surprised at how handily the Patek Philippe Calatrava beat the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Judging from those results, it looks like the classic, clean styles may do very well in this competition. The Nautilus, Royal Oak Offshore, and even the Cartier Roadster chronograph are all a bit unique and all lost in the first round. Seems like the Rolex President should defeat the Hublot Big Bang handily in the last match-up of the bracket.

Round 2 starts on Thursday afternoon. There will be some very interesting match-ups. We’re excited to see how things play out. Click here to stay up to date.

It’s only the 2nd day of 2012 and we’ve fallen in love with another watch. It’s another Omega Speedmaster. This time it’s the Day-Date 3529.50.00 – a limited edition racing model in stainless steel with a black carbon fiber dial.

People LOVED our mistletoe flip book video featuring eRelyx spokesmodel Jennifer Welsh. So, we decided to make another one – this time while she’s dreaming of a white Christmas in the garland-decorated window seat. Check out Jennifer wearing a Tag Heuer Formula 1, Omega Speedmaster, and Cartier Tank Francaise! Amazing!!!

The eRelyx team and the Jennifer Welsh Group got together for a holiday photo shoot – better late than never!! We have thousands of photos to go through, but we wanted to share a couple of highlights from this afternoon.

The New York Times recently wrote an article declaring that watches have been “rediscovered by the cellphone generation” (Read the full article here). While it’s great to see that watches are getting attention in mainstream press, it bothers me when people claim that watches will be replaced by electronic devices like cell phones. While that may be the case for digital Timex and Casio watches, I don’t think the claim holds true for luxury watches. Why? Well, you don’t buy a $5000 watch to tell time. Sure, it’s nice that your Rolex or Omega watch will tell time, but you bought it because of how it makes you feel. It gives you confidence. It sets you apart from your peers. Its provides a glimpse of your personality. It’s a piece of art.

Why do bracelets exist? See where I’m going with this? If people bought bracelets simply for functionality…well, they would have never been invented. (Probably the case with all jewelery, save wedding rings)

BTW – shouldn’t we ditch ties before we even think about ditching watches? I’d much rather wear this Omega than a tie. Wouldn’t you?